BR0117324B1 - keyed systems for filter cartridge connection to filter holder. - Google Patents

Description

FILTERED CARTRIDGE CONNECTION SYSTEMS FOR FILTER HOLDER

This request, by inventor Roger P. Reid, is a division of PI01132652, based on PCT / US / 0125307, filed on 11/11/2001, whose national phase began on 11/02/2003.

Field of the Invention. This invention generally relates to fluid filters and filter cartridges and fittings for the plumbing / valve cartridges, valves, support arms, and other supports that collaborate with the filters / cartridges to make them operative. a fluent fluid system. More specifically, this invention relates to a system for "keying" a particular filter cartridge or a particular cooperating filter head member or a filter valve head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is an apparatus and method in which part of a fluid cartridge holder connection is structurally adapted such that only the corresponding cartridges and filter holders may act to permit the installation of the filter cartridge in the holder and / or to form the fluid seal. In other words, each combination of filter cartridge and or "assembly" is "keyed" so that only this filter cartridge design fits with a similar support. According to the invention, there are several cartridge cartridge assemblies created with each having the fit, but it is slightly shifted for each set compared to the other sets. Thus, a filter cartridge from one set cannot be mixed with that from another set, and therefore a filter cartridge cannot be installed on another than its own corresponding holder. The adaptation preferably involves a variant location of a "peg" protrusion and a "lock" recess combination, so that a tongue-groove combination, usually with protrusion (s) and locking recess (s) is (s). at a certain angle in a circumference for a cartridge holder assembly and a protrusion (s) and locking recess (s) in a similar or identical manner, being at a different angle in the circumference for another cartridge holder assembly, and so on. for each similarly shaped but differently located cartridge and holder assembly. In other words, the bolt protrusion and the lock recess are selectively located at perimeters of a filter cartridge and its holder. The bolt and lock structures (commonly referred to herein as "bolt protrusion" or "protrusion" and "lock recess" or "recess", respectively) are preferably rigidly or permanently molded onto / into the cartridge and filter holder and therefore not considered mobile. However, they are easily interchanged in molding or another manufacturing process, that is, they are easily selectable by locating them at different angles / locations around a circumferential surface.

This system may include multiple sets of filters and brackets, each set has a differently located pin and latch, where the bolt and latch of each set are compatible with each other to allow the filter to be installed in that bracket, but the filter does not. can be installed on any other bracket because the pin or latch on this filter is not compatible with the pin or latch on the other bracket. The term "bolt or lock" is used because bolt protrusions can be placed either on the filter or in the holder and the lock recess can be placed on the other item.

Thus, for example, a water or beverage filtration facility, experimental pilot plant or other filter user may precisely control the filter cartridge positioning. An installation with multiple different filtering applications may have filter cartridges available for each application, but the cartridges will not be confused. For example, in an installation where there are two different applications, many of the two different types of filter cartridges may be kept in stock and even mixed during storage or handling, but filter cartridges will not be mixed during installation in the holders. filter This is possible because the filter holder and filter cartridges for the first application are differently "keyed" from the filter holder and filter cartridges for the second application. The terms "keyed" or "keyed" generally refer to how and where the entire pin system is located or realized, that is, the positioning or style of one or both compatible pin and lock structures, in rather than just the location of the "peg boss." All filter cartridges for the first application are sealed the same, that is, to match the first application holder and all filter cartridges for the second application to match the second application holder. The keyings for the first application and the second application need not be very different, for example they may be of slightly different angular positions for the two projections and recesses.

In addition, a filter manufacturer can control its product lines more carefully using the invented bolt system. A manufacturer may key their holders and filter cartridges differently for different countries, different customers, different distributors or for different time periods. This technique can be used to prevent unauthorized or poor quality copies of the manufacturer's filter cartridges from being made easily. With so many cartridges differently

marketed by the original manufacturer, the incentive to provide cheap, low-quality copies will be minimized due to re-machining costs for each "pin and lock" assembly.

The pin system may include many protrusion and recess structures, for example, reeds and grooves (usually thin or elongated bars and channel structures or elongated dovetail structure), protrusions and holes (usually round or raised structures with depressions). or holes), wedges and wedge-shaped holes (usually circular section structures); and many other ways. If a cartridge is to be rotated on its longitudinal axis to be installed in a bracket, the inclination in the recess structure will be provided so that the protrusion can be inserted while the cartridge still has a radial distance to rotate. For example, in the case of an elongated filter that is pushed into a filter head and then rotated on its axis to install its upper end on the filter head, the recess consists of an axial portion to allow axial insertion and a radial portion. for the radial rotation of the filter cartridge relative to the

filter head.

The bolt system frames are located

surfaces of filter cartridges (or "filters") and brackets that contact each other when connecting the cartridge to the bracket. These can be surfaces that are primarily involved in providing a physical connection between the cartridge and the holder or that are also involved in providing a fluid connection between the cartridge and the holder. An example of the pin system structure on the surfaces that are involved in providing the physical connection, rather than fluid connection, is the structure of the pin system in a filter cartridge holder that fits into a screw head holder. valve. These areas are surfaces that do not normally seal the liquid from each other, but should clean each other if the end of the filter cartridge will fit into the inner cavity of the valve head. The upper circumferential support of the filter cartridge and the inner surface of a valve head usually have areas that come in close contact but are not directly involved in forming a liquid seal between the cartridge and the valve head. These non-liquid sealed areas can be keyed so that only a cartridge with some form of keyed surface can extend far enough to the valve head to be installed and locked in position. For example, the tabs or other protrusions may be provided on the upper surface of an outer spaced filter from an inlet-outlet but external neck to the liquid receiving passages. These filter cartridge protrusions may fit or "nest" into recesses located identically on the inner surface of the valve head receiving the cartridge, where the valve head recesses are also external to the cartridge / head liquid receiving passages.

valve.

The keyed structure in the filter holder and the inner surface of the valve head holder may be located around the outer circumference of a filter cartridge upper surface holder and the compatible or internal inner circumference of the valve head cavity. Preferably, the structure of

A protruding "pin" consists of several protrusions located within an arc of approximately 90 degrees or less around the circumference in which it is located or more, preferably approximately 70 degrees or less. The recess structure is preferably located on the cavity surface facing the support of the filter cartridge and likewise the same number of recesses are located within the same amount of circumference, preferably approximately 90 or less and more preferably. approximately 70 degrees or less. In this type of embodiment, the recessed and recessed structures do not form a liquid seal between the filter cartridge and the valve head, as another structure normally closer to the central axis of the filter cartridge and the head serves this purpose. While this preferred pin system locates the projections on the filter cartridge holder and the recesses in the head, the opposite is envisaged where the projections may be within the filter head and the recesses may

be in the filter cartridge.

Another kind of representation of the keyed system

It surrounds the structure that creates a fluid seal between the filter cartridge and the holder, for example, the inlet and outlet ports of the filter cartridge and their compatible ports / tubes in the holder that carry liquid to and from the cartridge. In this type of embodiment, the recessed and recessed structures are located around the inner and outer circumference of a tubular connector consisting of a male tube and a female receiver allowing the filter cartridge and holder to be connected to the which fluid is conducted through the tubular conductor (s) once the cartridge is sealed to the holder. An example of such a tubular connector system

20

30 10

15

20

25

30

includes one wherein the inlet and outlet of the filter holder and the inlet and outlet of the filter cartridge are all tubular and are all keyed. For example, the inlet tube and outlet tube of a filter holder (which flows directly to a cartridge and the cartridge respectively) each having an elongate axial tongue protruding out of the outer cylindrical surface of the inlet tube and of the outlet tube at a circumferential location or locations (also called "radial" or "angular" including non-axial) (that is, at different locations around the circumference of the pipe surfaces). Likewise, the cylindrical surfaces of the compatible female cartridge tubes (in which the support inlet tube and outlet tube slide and seal) have recessed channels or "grooves" for the surfaces in the corresponding circumferential positions. In this way, the holder inlet and outlet tubes slide into the cartridge ports, with the holder tabs sliding into the cartridge tabs without significant resistance. Another cartridge with slots in a different circumferential location or in its ports would not receive the support tubes and therefore could not be accidentally or incorrectly installed in this particular holder. In such a case, where the filter cartridge has two tubes (inlet and outlet ports), each port could have a different slot circumferential location as long as the holder is made to match. For example, the bracket inlet tube tab (and corresponding slot in the cartridge inlet port) may be "straight" at 0 degrees, while the tab in the bracket outlet tube (and corresponding slot in the cartridge outlet port) ) may be 30 degrees offset relative to the inlet tabs and grooves. With such a system, for example, by varying different cartridge and additional holder assemblies, each by an additional 30 degrees, many different sets of keyed cartridges and compatible holders can be made. Many quantities beyond 30 degrees could be chosen, but this amount of displacement provides different combinations, while providing a displacement easily seen and judged by a person. Input tabs and slots and output tabs and slots may be varied independently, for example, many sets may have 0 (zero) degree tabs and slots, while sets may have differently positioned tabs and output slots. Or, the assemblies may have reeds and entry slots that vary from set to assembly by 10 degrees, while these reeds and output slots may vary by 15 degrees, for example. The mathematics of such a system suggests that practically an "infinite" number of sets with different bolt system structures can be designed.

Other styles of pin systems are provided,

generally allowing flat or smooth surfaces of the filter cartridge and holder to conventionally contact each other to include a pin system structure that ensures that only a particular type of filter cartridge can be installed in a particular holder. The switch system structure of the various filter cartridge assemblies and compatible valve holders / heads are generally invisible once the filter cartridge is installed. While this may result in different differently sealed filter cartridges having substantially similarly shaped outer compartments, a manufacturer may include indicia on the outer surface of the filter cartridge to indicate different media or other differences in the filter. In addition, a user can look at the structure of the pin system while the filter cartridge is uninstalled. In any event, when the user attempts to install a cartridge, only properly capped cartridges may be installed

valve / pipe.

By "holder" is meant any element of the various apparatus which receives and seals a replaceable filter or filter cartridge. This may include a valve head (including valve to close the pipeline when the cartridge is removed), a filter arm that supports the cartridge and provides fluid flow conduits into and out of the cartridge, and other appliances that come into contact and establish fluid communication with the cartridge. "filter" or "filter cartridge" means

Any container or filtering or treatment medium that is connected to a fluid communication support with the support for filtering and / or treating the fluid brought to it via the support. The invention of the keyed system may be applied to the structure of a filtration unit that is inserted into the head or other support, which may be a unitary filter or a partially coated filter cartridge in another compartment below the level where the filter cartridge fits. in the head. Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a representation of a filter head according to the invention, illustrating a recessed representation for

the invented pin system. Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a

depiction of a filter cartridge according to the invention illustrating a representation of protrusions for the invented pin system compatible with the recesses of the filter head of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the filter head of Figure 1, which shows particularly the surfaces

interiors of the filter head.

Figure 4 is a top view of the filter cartridge.

of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the

filter cartridge and filter head of Figures 1-4

related to each other.

Figure 6 is a combination top view of the

cartridge and the head of Figure 5, with projecting

filter cartridge visible through the openings in the

filter head.

Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the

combination of cartridge and head of Figure 5 and 6, viewed along lines 7-7 in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of

of cross-sectional Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a top view of the filter head.

1, 3, 5-8, with the filter cartridge removed. Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the

1, 3, 5-9 with the filter cartridge removed, viewed along lines 10-10 in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the filter of Figures 3, 5-10 with the filter cartridge removed, viewed along lines 11-11 on

Figure 9

Figure 12 is a perspective view on an alternative representation of a filter holder, an arm with the structure enclosed in connecting pipes that connect with a fluid seal with a representation

filter cartridge alternative.

Figure 13 is a bottom cross sectional view of the

filter holder of Figure 12, viewed along lines B-B in Figure 14.

Figure 14 is a final view of the filter holder of Figures 12 and 13.

Figure 15 is a top view of the filter holder of Figures 12-14.

Figure 16 is a detailed view of Section A of Figure 15 of the filter holder of Figures 12-15.

Figure 17 is a front cross-sectional view of the filter holder of Figures 12-16, viewed along line A-A in Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a front view of the filter holder.

of Figures 12-17.

Figure 19 is a detailed view of the inlet and outlet pipes of the filter holder of Figures 12-18, shown as detail B of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a partial side view of a representation of a filter cartridge that is adapted to cooperate with the filter holder of Figures 12-19.

Figure 21 is a partial side view of a filter cartridge of the type compatible with the filter holder of Figures 12-19, but with an alternately angled pin system structure.

Figure 22 is a partial side view of a filter cartridge of the type compatible with the filter holder of Figures 12-19, but with an alternately angled pin system structure.

Detailed Description of the Invention Representations

In relation to the Figures, various but not only representations of the invented key system are shown. Figures 1-11 illustrate a cartridge cartridge keyed representation of the invented keyed system. Figures 12-22 illustrate a tubular connector representation of the invented keyed system.

Keyed Filter Cartridge Holder (Figures 1-11) Referring to Figures 1-11, a preferred but not the only representation of the invented key system for a filter cartridge and filter holder (shown below) is shown. now also called the "filter head"). Preferred filter head 10 and compatible filter cartridge 20 are shown separately in Figures 1 and 2, in which one can see the "lock" recess structure included in the head 10 and the "bolt" protrusion structure included in the filter cartridge 20. One may understand from this Description that embodiments of the invention also include a mirror image arrangement in which "pin" protrusions are in head 10 and compatible "lock" recesses are in filter cartridge. 20. Or, a combination of the two arrangements may be used, in which one or more sets of "lock" recesses are in the head and compatible "pin" protrusions are in the filter cartridge, in addition to one or more sets of protrusions. on the compatible cartridge head and recesses

filter.

Preferred representation of the filter head may be of the general type illustrated by the systems in US Pat. No. 4,857,189 and Design 356,625 and once the disclosure of the present invention is exhibited, those skilled in the art will be able to construct a filter head that will be operative and operatively connect to a compatible filter cartridge. The cartridges

Conventionally constructed for such filter head systems are shown in US Pat. 4,857,189

and Design 356,625, for example.

The following discussion describes the preferred representation shown in the Figures, as well as comments and some variations. People of average ability may foresee alternative representations beyond those mentioned which are within the scope of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the recess structure 22 in the head consists of an axial part and a circumferential or "radial lock" part. The axial part preferably consists of several locking recesses 24 within the lower surface of the head 10, which may be called the "inner edge" of the filter head, near the outer edge 23 of the head. The locking recesses 24 are separated by partition grooves 28 which are separated and projecting radially into the surfaces of locking recesses 24. In combination with adjacent grooves 26, partition grooves 28 define the circumferential length. of each locking recess 24. The radial locking portion 40 of the recess structure 22 consists of a circumferential recess generally, but not necessarily accurate, transverse to the head axis 10 and the filter 20 located "above" the grooves 26.

In the preferred constructed structure of the interior of the head 10, the grooves 26 and the partition grooves 28 serve as obstacles for any keyed filter cartridge to be inserted into the filter head 10 and also once the filter cartridge has been rotated in its shaft as obstacles to cartridge removal. Once the filter cartridge is inserted axially near the parting grooves 28 through the bolt protrusions 34, sliding towards the head through the locking recesses 24, the filter cartridge can be rotated so that the bolt protrusions 34 radially slide. radial lock portion 40. The filter cartridge is preferably operable only after the filter cartridge has been inserted axially

to the desired point and the filter cartridge has been rotated to lock the cartridge in the head and preferably only a properly sealed filter cartridge

can be installed.

The grooves 26 illustrated in Figure 1 are an example of

many representations that help define the lower limit of the radial locking portion 40, and locking the filter cartridge from an axial movement retaining the bolt protrusions 34 in the locking portion 40. The plurality of grooves 26 with spaces The next ones are preferred because they provide a barrier to axial cartridge movement while minimizing the amount of plastic needed to mold the head 10. Alternatively, each set of grooves 26 may have the space between the grooves 26 filled, that is, replaced by a solid solid structure projecting relative to the recessed locking part 40 internally towards the central axis of the head. Either the grooves 26 may be reduced in number or only occupy part of the space below the locking portion 40. In other words, the structure located "below" the radial locking portion 40 near the outer edge 23 and which serves as an obstacle to axial movement may be of various shapes, sizes and locations while one or more protrusions 33 in the filter cartridge is locked by said structure. Therefore, at a minimum, there should be a protruding structure internally below at least one or more bolt protrusions 34 when one or more bolt protrusions 34 are positioned in the locking part 40. Not all bolt protrusions need to be received / employed in the securing part. when the filter cartridge is "fully rotationally employed", which means the point at which the filter cartridge is rotated to the end allowed by a rotation stop at the lock portion. To limit the rotation of the filter cartridge, specifically to limit the radial movement of the bolt protrusions 34 in the radial lock portion 40, a rotation stop surface 41 is provided by the groove extensions 26 or other structure. Thus, radial locking portions of various lengths will rotate even in the case of adjacent adjacent sets of locking recesses to prevent rotation of the bolt projections near the radial locking portion and into the space above the adjacent set of recesses.

lock

In head 10 of the Figures, the locking recesses 24 are three and are of different circumferential lengths, specifically three recesses of length, medium and short length relative to each other. Other numbers and lengths / sizes may be used, for example, two or four recesses, or more and one or two long and short recesses or two long recesses and two short recesses or several recesses, all of different lengths. As with the lock and lock pin system, many different combinations can be

planned and are included in the invention.

While it may be the only recess frame assembly and a compatible protrusion frame assembly, there are preferably more.

Preferably, there are several sets of recess structures in the filter head and more preferably there are two lock recess assemblies 24, each with its radial lock portion 40 connected. Therefore, preferably, the compatible boss structure number 33 is the same as that of

recess structure.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that the

circumferential distances of greatest interest can be

described as:

Df which is the circumferential length of the

preferential recesses and projections of 10

pegs 34 compatible;

B, which is the distance between the locking recess assemblies or compatible pin protrusion assemblies 34, where B includes the radial locking portion 40 of the recess structure, in which the locking portion 40 may exist in the range of a small part of distance B for substantially all distance B except for a small radial rotation stop; and

T, which is the total distance between the "beginning" of a set of compatible recesses or protrusions and the

"start" of the adjacent set.

The absolute lengths of D, T and B and the relative lengths of D, T and B can be varied. In the example of two recess frame sets (and thus the two compatible boss frame sets) each of the two sets may have

different D lengths.

In Figure 1, the first set of two recesses

is clearly shown and the second set of recesses,

located approximately 180 degrees (distance T) from

of the same assembly is located at position 25 in Figure

1. So these two sets of indentations shown

in the Figures are diametrically opposed, generally with

the axial part (locking recesses 24) taking up to 70

degrees (distance D) and the radial lock portion 40 taking

approximately 70 degrees from the 110 degrees (distance B) that

extend between the two sets of locking recesses

24. This results in each part of a structure of

recess 22, with 180 degrees of the corresponding part

of the other recess structure and the two

recess 22 being evenly separated around

360 degrees.

Preferably, the locking portion is as long as the entire length of the bolt protrusions, however, this

30 is not always necessarily the case. The recess structures 22 may be closer together (distance T) than 180 degrees, for example with two differently constructed recess structures spaced 90 degrees (distance Τ), for example, in which case the locking recesses 24 may take approximately 70 degrees from these 90 degrees, leaving slightly less than 20 degrees (20 degrees less than a sufficient stop for a short rotation stop) for the radial lock portion 40. This would be an example of a representation in which the radial lock portion It is not as long circumferentially as the circumferential length of the axial part. In such a representation, only some of the bolt protrusions 34 (or part of a bolt protrusion) would slide radially to ("be employed") the locking part, while some of the bolt protrusions 34 (or part of a bolt protrusion) ) would not be received ("not employed") in the locking part; This would be sufficient, though not preferred, to lock the cartridge in the head. In the event that the locking portion is shorter in length than the total length of the bolt protrusions and a bolt protrusion is not employed in the locking part, one or more protrusions or a portion of a protrusion actually lies over the recesses. In such a case, the unused stud protrusion (s) may still be supported by one or more grooves 28. While some of the protrusion protrusion (s) If the bolt is used in the locking part, the filter cartridge will be used in the head until the filter cartridge is turned in the opposite direction to an unlocking point, ie to a point where all protrusions bolts can slide into the recesses.

Another example would be to have the two recess structures within only part of the head circumference 10, for example within 180 degrees (for two recess structures where T = 90 degrees) or 270 degrees (for two recess structures where T = 135 degrees).

Preferably, the recesses of each set of recesses are all contained within 90 degrees or less (distance D) or more preferably within 70 degrees or less (distance D). Especially preferred embodiments have recesses (and similarly compatible projections) of a maximum of 70 degrees to a minimum of 30 degrees in the circumference of the inner edge of the filter head. Less than 30 is also possible, but less preferred. In Figure 1, the first set of recesses is approximately 70 degrees ("D" in Figures 3 and 4).

distance B may be within a wide range of

Lengths. For example, preferably, but not necessarily, B may be approximately 150 degrees upwards (B equal to 150 degrees when, for example, D is 30 degrees and T is 180 degrees) and downwards approximately 30 degrees (B equal to 30 degrees when, for example, D is 70 degrees and T is 100 degrees; or B is 30 degrees when, for example, D is 30 degrees and T is 60 degrees). Other distances B may be outside the range of 30 - 150 degrees, particularly when B is too large (greater than 150 degrees) because D is too small (less than 30 degrees) or when B is too small (less than 30 degrees) because the two recess sets are very close together. In the case where B is very small, it would be highly expected that these representations would have radial locking parts only a fraction of the length of D, that is, only part of the bolt protrusions would fit into the radial locking part before hitting the locking stop. rotation on the radial lock part.

Also shown in Figure 4 are the lengths 134, 134 ', 134' 'of the bolt protrusions (which preferably equal very slightly less than the lengths of the paired locking recesses 24), and the space lengths, 128, 128'. between the projections (which preferably equal very slightly more than the lengths of the paired grooves 28. Preferably, but not necessarily, the lengths 134, 134 ', 13411 (which are not necessarily equal to each other) are much larger than the lengths of the spaces 128, 128 '(which are not necessarily equal to each other.) For example, preferably the lengths of the mentioned projections are at least twice that of the mentioned spaces and more preferably three times or more.

Figure 2 illustrates a filter cartridge 20 which is

capped to be compatible with head 10 of Figure 1. The central neck 29 of the filter cartridge contains the connections / seals for the communication fluid between the cartridge and the head. Radially spaced from neck 29 is abutment 32. In abutment 32 are two sets of stud protrusions 34, diametrically generally opposed to correspond to the locations of the two sets of locking recesses in the filter head. Each set of bolt protrusions includes the same number, size and arrangement of bolt protrusions 34 as the filter head has locking recesses, so that the filter cartridge "bolt" fits into the "filter" lock "bolt" , really. Preferred pin protrusions bend into the radius of the cartridge bearing and have a top-down curved outer surface. To match these recesses, each set of protrusions in the representation of Figure 2 includes three large, medium and small "end-to-end" protrusions equal in size to the recesses in Figure 1. In use, when the filter cartridge 20 inserted into the head 10, the pin protrusions 34 must correspond to the locking recesses 24 so that the filter cartridge can be moved axially to the filter head. The projections 34 slide into their corresponding locking recesses 24 (which are the first part of the recess system) and the inner edge of the head extends over the top of the filter cartridge. Then the filter cartridge is rotated on its axis relative to the head to lock the cartridge in the head. This is made possible by the second part of the filter head recess system, the radial lock portion 40, which extends continuously over the grooves 26 to, preferably but not necessarily, a distance equal to or slightly greater than the total length of a set. bosses. When the cartridge is inserted and rotated, the projections 34 slide circumferentially into the radial lock portion 40 of the recess system until they fully and rotationally engage (rotationally limited by the stop at the end of the lock portion) and are "locked" above the grooves. 26 because they cannot be pulled axially and downwardly close to the grooves 26. When the filter cartridge is fully inserted and locked in the head as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the projections 34 can be seen through the openings 42 in the wall of the filter head. To remove the filter cartridge, the cartridge is rotated on its axis in the opposite direction to move the protrusions 34 from above the grooves 26 to again align with the locking recesses 24 so that the protrusions can slide axially downward. and out of the head through these recesses. A friction means or biasing means or other locking means may be used to bias the filter cartridge to prevent reverse sliding out of the head until the user properly removes the filter cartridge.

With the invented cartridge and filter head pin system, it is economical and convenient to shape cartridge assemblies and heads with corresponding pin system structure and to shape many different assemblies with different pin system structure. For example, for one application, a pin system structure may include four locking recesses and four bolt protrusions in each of the two assemblies in the cartridge and head, and the recesses and protrusions may be, for example, two alternating shorts. with two long ones. For another application, a pin system structure may include three recesses and three protrusions, all long. Cartridges with the three-recess and protrusion pin system would not fit into the heads with the four-recess and protrusion pin system, so there would be no possibility to mix the cartridges.

Keyed Fluid Connector (Figures 12 - 22):

An alternate representation of the invented keyed system provides the structure of the pin system on the filter cartridge surfaces and the holder that functions to provide a fluid connection / seal in addition to the physical connection. Figures 12 - 22 illustrate such a tubular connector representation consisting of an arm 210 which is a fluid conducting support for maintaining and sealing a filter cartridge. Arm 210 and the cartridge include tabs and slots in the tubular connectors that create a physical connection and fluid communication between the arm and the cartridge.

Shown in Figure 12 is the arm 210 which serves various functions: mounting means for securing the arm to a wall on another surface, fluid receiving means, inlet tube for conveying liquid to the connected filter (not shown in Figures 12 -19, but shown separately in Figure 20-22); outlet tube to carry filter liquid; and dispensing means for sending the filtered / treated liquid downstream to another filter, process, storage or use. Specifically, plate 212 may be attached to a wall or other surface to support multiple arms in various flow configurations. Inlet 214 and outlet 216 are at opposite ends of a conduit device 218 and may be used so that inlet 214 receives fluid from an upstream pipe or other conduit and outlet 216 provides filtered (outgoing) fluid. filter cartridge) to their downflow destination. Conduit device 218 directs flow to inlet tube 220 so that fluid can flow to the filter cartridge and then receive flow from the cartridge to outlet tube 222 so that it can flow to outlet 216. Male tubes 220 and 222 have "projections" or tabs 225, 225 'on their cylindrical surfaces.

external.

As best seen in Figures 18 and 19, tube 220 and tube 222 have tabs 225, 225 'protruding approximately 30 degrees of displacement (tab 220 of tube 220 to the left in Figure 19 and tab 225' of tube 222). down approximately 30 degrees from tongue 225 of tube 220). The compatible filter cartridge 228 shown schematically in Figure 20 has female inlet and outlet tubes 230 and 232 (which may also be called the inlet and outlet port), and it is noted that the tubes 230 and 232 have internal slots. matched or "matched" 227, 227 'to receive tabs 225, 225'. Alternatively, of course, filter cartridges can be made with male tubes and lugs, and compatible holders can be made with female tubes and grooves. It can be seen that by varying the radial location of the tabs and slots, many "pins" and "locks" can be achieved for the cartridge holder assemblies. For example, a holder may have an inlet tube with a tongue 60 degrees from a reference point and the outlet tube may have a tongue 120 degrees relative to that reference point, while the cartridge suitable for that holder It is made with the same offset and the same absolute location of the slots. Figures 12 - 22 illustrate only one set of as many combinations of radial tongue locations as possible, which are extremely numerous because the radial location of each tube can be varied within each set and can be varied independently. Figures 21 and 22 illustrate two of the many other possible pin system structures. For example, at the upper end of the elongated filter cartridge 228 'of Figure 21, the female inlet pipe (port) 230' is caulked at approximately 110 degrees and the female outlet pipe (port) 232 'is caulked at approximately 290 degrees. . At the upper end of the elongated filter cartridge 228 'of Figure 22, the inlet tube 23011 is capped approximately 195 degrees and the outlet tube 2321' is capped approximately 170 degrees.

Arm 10 in Figures 12-19 is normally installed in a process with plate 212 vertically attached to a vertical wall. Thus, the pipes 220 and 222 extend horizontally and the filter cartridge is pushed into the pipes 220, 222 so that the pipes 220 and 222 support and connect with the filter cartridge. Tubes 220, 222, 230, 232 are associated with o-rings or other sealing structure to provide firm liquid communication between arm and cartridge. Although not shown, it can be seen from Figures 12-19 that firm liquid seals are arranged between the conduit or other conduit and inlet 214 and outlet 216. In addition, a securing device may be added to secure the cartridge. in the sealed relationship with tubes 220, 222.

While this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and representations, it is understood that the invention is not limited to those particular disclosed embodiments, but extends to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (23)

1. A keyed system for connecting filter cartridges and their holders consisting of: a filter (20) and a compatible holder (10) where: the filter (20) has a perimeter filter surface having a first assembly (33) of a plurality of bolt protrusions (34); and the compatible support (10) has a circumferential perimeter support surface with a first compatible support (22) recess having a plurality of axial portions (24) radially separated by paired grooves (28); said keyed system characterized in that the recess of the support (22) subsequently comprises a lock for said circumferentially extending recess (40) and has a proximal open end, and, in mechanical communication therewith, said axial portions (24) and a closed opposite end (41); and said pin projections (34) slide through the axial portions (24) during the axial insertion of the filter (20) into the holder (10) and, according to the angular rotation of the filter (20) in the holder (10) said first assembly (33) of a plurality of studs (34) being received in said lock for said circumferentially extending recess (40). A keyed system for connecting filter cartridges and their holders according to claim 1, further characterized in that there are a plurality of assemblies of said filters (20) and said compatible holders (10); and the locations of a bolt protrusion (34) and support recess (22) at said perimeters are selectively programmed to different circumferential positions of said perimeters so that each of said filter assemblies (20) and supports (10) has a particular location. to the pin protrusion (34) and to the recess of the support (22) to prevent any of said filters (20) from being installed in any other than their respective support (10). Keyed system according to Claim 1, characterized in that: the filter (20) is an elongated filter with a longitudinal axis and a radius, the first set (33) of said pin projections (33) being in the upper support (32). ) of the upper end of the filter (20), and the recess of the support (22) on the inner surface of a cavity of its support (10), where the cavity receives the upper end of the filter. Keyed system according to Claim 3, characterized in that said first set (33) of said pin projections (34) is within a 90 degree arc in the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20). . Keyed system according to Claim 3, characterized in that said first set (33) of said pin projections (34) is within a 70 degree arc in the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20). . 6. A keyed system for connecting filter cartridges and their holders consisting of: a plurality of filter assemblies (228) and their compatible holders (210), where the filter holder (210) of each assembly has two connector tubes. (220,222) each having an outer surface and an axial length, where one (220) of the two male connector tubes is used to carry liquid into the filter (20), the other (222) to carry liquid out of the filter (20); said keyed system, characterized in that said two male connector tubes (220, 222) individually have a perimeter with a bolt protrusion (225, 225 ') extending axially on said external surface and having such a bolt protrusion. radially; and the respective filter (228) of each assembly with two female connector tubes (230, 232) that connect to and seal the flow of said two male connector tubes (220,222), those (230, 232) individually having an inner surface with an axial length and a perimeter with a lock on each respective recess (227,227 ') extending axially on this inner surface to receive the bolt protrusion (225, 225') of the two male connector tubes (220, 222) of such that the filter (228) may be inserted into the holder (210) as the pin protrusion (225, 225 ') of the holder (210) slides into the filter recess (227, 227'); and the locations of the pin protrusions (225, 225 ') and recess latches (227, 227') at said perimeters are selectively programmed to different circumferential positions of said perimeters so that each of said assemblies has a particular location. to the pin protrusion (225, 225 ') and to the recess of the support (227, 227') to prevent any of said filters (228) from being installed in any other than their respective support (210). Keyed system according to claim 6, characterized in that said at least one male connector tube (220, 222) has a single pin projection (225, 225 ') extending to its outer surface. Keyed system according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one female connector tube (230, 232) has a single locking recess (227, 227 ') extending toward the central axis of the female connector tube. (230, 232). Keyed system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of filter assemblies (20) and compatible supports (210) wherein the studs (34) and the axial portions (24) of said perimeters of each assembly are selected to be different in number and size when compared to other sets, so that each set has different number and size of studs (34) and axial portions (24) to prevent one of these filters (20) from being other than its holder (10). Keyed system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the filter (20) has a second set (33) of a plurality of pin projections (34); and at the perimeter of the support surface there is a second compatible recess (25) with a plurality of axial portions (24) separated by radially paired grooves (28), one of these axial portions (24) being for each of said stud projections ( 34), and the second compatible recess (25) having a circumferentially extending locking portion (40) having a proximal open end, and, in mechanical communication therewith, said axial portions (24) of the second recess compatible (25) and a closed opposite end (41); and said second set of a plurality of bolt protrusions (33) slide through the axial portions (24) of the second compatible recess (25) during axial insertion of the filter (20) into the support (10) and, as rotated of the filter (20) in the holder (10), said second set of a plurality of pin protrusions (34) are received in said lock for said circumferentially extending recess (40) of the second compatible recess (25). Keyed system according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first set (33) of the projections is within an arc of less than 70 degrees in the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20), and the second set ( 33) of protrusions being within an arc of less than 70 degrees in the upper support (32) generally as opposed to said first assembly. Keyed system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first set (33) of bolt protrusions (34) is at least the same length as said portion in said circumferentially extending latch (40), said length being said length. portion in the lock (40) at least equal to that of the first pin protrusion assembly (33). 13. Keyed system for a filtagrem unit consisting of: a filter (20) and a compatible support (10); wherein the filter (20) has a perimeter filter surface having a pin protrusion (33) and the respective filter holder (10) has a perimeter support surface with a compatible recess (22) to engage the bolt protrusion (33) of the respective filter so that the filter (20) can be inserted into the bracket (10) as the bolt protrusion (33) slides into the recess of the bracket (22); said keyed system, characterized in that: the pin protrusion (33) comprises a plurality of protrusions (34) all contained in an arc of less than 70 degrees on a curved surface of the upper end of the filter (20) and the locations of said protrusion. bolt (33) and said support recess (22) at said perimeters are selectively programmed to different circumferential positions of said perimeters so that said assembly is adapted to prevent said filter (20) from being fitted to another filter. not their support (10); the filter (20) is an elongated filter with a longitudinal axis and a radius, said pin protrusion (33) being in the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20), and the recess of the support (22) in the inner surface of a cavity of its support (10), where the cavity receives the upper end of the filter (20); and, the pin protrusion (33) comprises three protrusions (34) contained in an arc less than 70 degrees from the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20). 14. Keyed system for a filtagrem unit consisting of: a filter (20) and a compatible support (10); wherein the filter (20) has a perimeter filter surface having a pin protrusion (33) and the respective filter holder (10) has a perimeter support surface with a compatible recess (22) to engage the bolt protrusion (33) of the respective filter so that the filter (20) can be inserted into the bracket (10) as the bolt protrusion (33) slides into the recess of the bracket (22); said keyed system, characterized in that: the pin protrusion (33) comprises a plurality of protrusions (34) all contained in an arc of less than 70 degrees on a curved surface of the upper end of the filter (20) and the locations of said protrusion. bolt (33) and said support recess (22) at said perimeters are selectively programmed to different circumferential positions of said perimeters so that said assembly is adapted to prevent said filter (20) from being fitted to another filter. not their support (10); the filter (20) is an elongated filter with a longitudinal axis and a radius, said pin protrusion (33) being in the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20), and the recess of the support (22) in the inner surface of a cavity of its support (10), where the cavity receives the upper end of the filter (20); and, . thereafter comprising a second pin protrusion (33) with a plurality of protrusions (34) contained in an arc less than 70 degrees from the upper support (32) of the upper end of the filter (20) and generally 180 degrees from said pin protrusion (33). Keyed system according to claim 13, characterized in that the recess of the support (22) comprises a plurality of recesses (24) within a 70 degree arc of the internal surface of the cavity. Keyed system according to claim 14, characterized in that the recess of the support (22) comprises three recesses (24) contained entirely within an arc of less than 70 degrees of the internal surface of the cavity. Keyed system according to Claim 16, characterized in that the recesses are axial grooves (24) in the surface of the cavity in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the filter (20), the recess of the support (22) subsequently comprises a lock in the recess. circumferentially extended (40), and the filter (20) is adapted to rotate after insertion into the holder (10) so that the pin protrusion (33) slides into the recess of the holder (22) to lock the filter (20) on the support (10). 18. Keyed system for a filtagrem unit consisting of a filter (228) and a compatible holder (210); said keyed system, wherein: said compatible filter holder (210) has an outer tubular surface having a radially outward extension of the pin protrusion (225, 225 ') and the compatible filter (228) has a surface inner tube having a radially inward extension into the recess lock (227, 221 ') adapted to receive the pin protrusion (225, 225') of the compatible holder (210) so that the filter (228) can be inserted into the holder (210) as the pin protrusion (227, 227 ') of holder (210) slides into the recess (227, 227') of filter (228); the locations of said pin boss (225, 225 ') and said lock recess (227, 227') on said outer and inner tubular surfaces are selectively programmed to different circumferential positions of said perimeters so that each of said outer and inner tubular surfaces have a particular location to prevent said filter (228) from being installed on any other than its respective support (210). said tubular outer surface being of a male fluid tube (220, 222) that connects with the filter (228), and said tubular inner surface being of a female fluid tube (230, 232) that connects with and seals the male fluid tube (220, 222); and the holder (210) having two male fluid tubes (220, 222), where one of the two tubes (220) is used for liquid inlet to filter (228), and the other (222) is for liquid outlet from the filter 228, and both male tubes 220, 222 have latches on the projections 225, 225 'of their outer surfaces. A beveled system according to claim 18, characterized in that each of the male fluid tubes (220, 222) has a single pin boss (225, 225 ') extending outwardly from its surface. A keyed system according to claim 18 characterized in that: the filter (228) has two female fluid tubes (230, 232) which connect to and seal said two male fluid tubes (220, 222), and both female fluid tubes (230, 232) have keyed recesses (227, 227 ') on their internal surfaces. Keyed system according to Claim 20, characterized in that each of the female fluid tubes (230, 232) has a single locking recess (227, 227 '). A keyed system according to claim 20, characterized in that the single pin projection (225, 225 ') extends outwardly from said outer surface of each of the outer surfaces of each of said male fluid tubes (220, 225). 222) consist of an elongated axial tongue. Keyed system according to Claim 20, characterized in that. the single recess lock (227, 227 ') of each of said female fluid tubes (230, 232) consist of an elongate axial channel.